The ODE has the story, with video:
Most of the staff and administrators had cleared out prior to students entering except for President Berdahl himself and a few of his staff. Berdahl spoke with students on why tuition increases needed to be implemented as well as other issues surrounding state funding. Berdahl was successful at easing student frustration by agreeing to a meeting. Berdahl said he would meet with a group of 12-15 students Thursday as long as “it doesn’t turn into a shouting match,” he said.
… “An institutional board that cares about this institution and is committed to this institution and works with the administration, will inspire the confidence of donors about the commitment to excellence this institution has,” Berdahl said. “If we can build our endowment so that there is a lot more financial aid available, and a central part of any capital campaign we have going forward is to raise scholarships.”
I’d have a lot more confidence in the idea of an independent board if the UO Foundation, the closest current equivalent, had a better track record on scholarships and transparency. BTW, The Faculty Pay is Too Damn Low. 6/6/2012.
Someone has to pay for the Bellotti hand shake deal, off campus lawyers, recruiting football players and pay for guns for cops.
Paul Weinhold’s pay is too damn high.
faculty pay too damn low, classified staff furlough day cuts f’ing low
Berdhal smiled & nodded, yes kids, you make a good point (and absolutely nothing will be done about it).
In fact– things are looking up – student loans have twice as high interest rates, & the U of O went along for the ride.
Never mind the fact someone has to pick up the tabs for the hidden costs of the shiny athletic buildings.
Now run along & get a second job…